Logo and Motto

Our Motto

"With faith we grow and Learn" 

The Story of St Colman’s Catholic School

St Colman’s Catholic School was established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1927 on Birri-Gubba Juru land.  For a time, there was some uncertainty about the particular saint after whom the school was named.  However, parish records located in 2022 indicate that the school is named after the Irish St Colman of Cloyne (c.530-600 CE).

St Colman, a well known poet, established a monastery after becoming a monk later in life than other monks around this time.  The courage and tenacity shown by St Colman also characterises the story of Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy, who persevered through challenges in order to reach out to the poor and distressed.  In a similar way to St Colman’s work in the education of monks, Catherine McAuley worked tirelessly to provide education pathways.  Both St Colman and Catherine McAuley are models of lifelong learning, as the both followed their vocation to serve others in ways which allowed them to “have life, and have it to the full”  (John 10:10)

Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy

An education in the Mercy tradition challenges those involved to develop each person’s gifts and nurture a desire to serve others so that they “may have life, and have it to the full”  (John 10:10).  The Mercy Cross, one cross super-imposed on another cross, symbolises Catherine McAuley’s view that the Sisters of Mercy symbolically place themselves on the cross when they offer their sufferings for others, thereby showing mercy.  The Mercy values of respect, courage and compassion guide St Colman’s Catholic School.  St Colman and Catherine McAuley both showed courage in following their call to a life of service to others.  Catherine McAuley’s compassion was shown in the way she walked through all kinds of weather and conditions to reach those in need of care and help.

The Mission of St Colman’s Catholic School

At St Colman’s Catholic School, students are inspired to be confident lifelong learners who show respect, courage and compassion as they live Jesus’s mission to serve others so that they “may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  Students begin their service to others which promotes life in abundance by participating in mini-Vinnies, the Vinnies Sleepout and the Community Pantry.  The Community Pantry is a partnership between the school and St Colman’s parish in which grocery items are shared with the wider community, reducing wastage and redistributing resources efficiently, thus ensuring care of creation through this local act of service.